| Turmeric Side Effects and Benefits zhion, Aug 19, 2006 |
INTRODUCTION
Turmeric belongs to the family of N.O. Zingiberaceae. Its related
terms include Curcuma. Curcuma rotunda (LINN.). Amomum
curcuma (Jacq.)
Turmeric is a perennial plant. It can be found in SouthEast Asia.
Tumeric is one of the key ingredients in curry. Recently, a
scientist found that turmeric may have anti-cancer properties,
this adds one more point to turmeric potential benefits.
Turmeric has a unique odor and a bitter taste and it colors the
saliva yellow. Turmeric contains gum, starch, calcium, fiber and
curcumin (the colorant and also the active ingredient) [1,2].
Curcumin was found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties. Boiling alcohol is usually used to extract this
chemical.
Traditionally, tumeric was used to treat jaundice, gallstones,
indigestion, gas, worms, menstruation problems and arthritis. It
was applied in the form of a paste to aid healing of cuts and
grazes. However, most of these uses are in lack of scientific
support or meaningful evidence. Turmeric is also used to
manufacture curry powders pickles, and mustard. Turmeric
tincture is used as yellow coloring agent for paper and other
products.
Today, turmeric is still used as a food preservative and colorant
for food products.
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON TURMERIC BENEFITS
CANCER
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has
been demonstrated in 1985. [3] Turmeric extract was found to
be able to inhibit the cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells
at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and was cytotoxic to
lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at the same
concentration.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well.
NF-kappaB is a protein which helps cancer cells to survive once
they start to grow.People with the early signs of oesophagus
cancer could be advised to eat more turmeric-laced foods in a
bid to beat the killer disease. [11, 12, 19]
BREAST CANCER Turmeric curcumin induces apoptosis in breast
cancer cells by regulation of multiple signaling pathways,
indicating its potential use for prevention and treatment of
cancer. [21]
DYPEPSIA
Dypepsia is a condition that the person experiences a variety of
digestive problems such as stomach discomfort, gas, bloating,
belching, appetite loss, and nausea for unknown medical cause.
Turmeric was shown to be able to reduce dyspepsia symptoms
in a clinical trial. [8,9]
EXCITOTOXICITY
In a study, A 24 h-treatment with turmeric curcumin reduced N-
methyl-D: -aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic cell damage.
The protection was believed to be associated with decrease of
NMDA receptor-mediated Ca(2+) and reduction in the level of
phosphorylated NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. [22]
HYPERTENSION
Turmeric [Curcuma herb] was found to have hypotensive and
protective effect on the endothelium in spontaneously
hypertensive rats [23]
ULCER
Turmeric does not appear to be effective for treating ulcers [6,7].
LIVER DISEASE
Curcumin or turmeric might help protect the liver from damage
but there are also reports that turmeric extracts may damage
the liver at high doses. [13-18].
DOSAGE
Turmeric extract is often taken in a form having curcumin
content of 400 to 600 mg.
TURMERIC SIDE EFFECTS
Turmeric has been used in food products for many years,
standard doses of turmeric or curcumin should be safe to a
healthy person. [1,10]
FDA considers that turmeric may be safely used for the coloring
of foods generally, in amounts consistent with good GMP
practice. [20]
People with liver disease should avoid using turmeric products,
as there are reports that turmeric extracts may be toxic to the
liver. [32. 33]
Because turmeric [curcumin] has stimulating effects on the
gallbladder, individuals with gallbladder disease should use
turmeric [curcumin] only on the advice of a physician.
At standard doses, it does not appear to harm the stomach. [4]
However, high doses of curcumin might in fact increase the risk
of ulcers. [5]
HOME
This article is for your reference. If you have question, you should
consult with your doctor immediately.
ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2005 zhion inc.
REFERENCES
1. Ammon HPT, Wahl MA. Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 1991;57:
1–7. 2. Sreejayan N, Rao MNA. Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids.
Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46:169–171. 3 Kuttan P Potential anticancer
activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29(2):197-202. 4.
Srimal RC, Dhawan BN. Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1973;25:447–452. 5.
Gupta B, Kulshrestha VK, Srivastava RK, et al. Mechanisms of curcumin induced
gastric ulcer in rats. Indian J Med Res. 1980;71:806–814. 6. Van Dau N, Ngoc
Ham N, Huy Khac D, et al. The effects of a traditional drug, turmeric (Curcuma
longa), and placebo on the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomedicine. 1998;5:
29–34. 7. Kositchaiwat C, Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa Linn. in
the treatment of gastric ulcer comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical
trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 1993;76:601–605. 8. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of
curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:245–249. 9. Thamlikitkul V,
Bunyapraphatsara N, Dechatiwongse T, et al. Randomized double blind study of
Curcuma domestica Val. for dyspepsia. J Med Assoc Thai. 1989;72:613–620. 10
Shankar TNB, Shantha NV, Ramesh HP, et al. Toxicity studies on turmeric
(Cucurma longa): acute toxicity studies in rats, guinea pigs and monkeys. Indian
J Exp Biol. 1980;18:73–75. 11 Afaq F, Adhami VM, Ahmad N, et al. Botanical
antioxidants for chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis. Front Biosci. 2002;7:
d784-92. 12 Arbiser JL, Klauber N, Rohan R, et al. Curcumin is an in vivo
inhibitor of angiogenesis. Mol Med. 1998;4:376-383. 13 Chuang S, Cheng A, Lin
J, Kuo M. Inhibition by curcumin of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic
hyperplasia, inflammation, cellular gene products and cell-cycle related proteins
in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2000;38(11):991-995. 14 Deshpande UR, Gadre SG,
Raste AS, et al. Protective effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) extract on carbon
tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998;36:573-577.
15 Song EK, Cho H, Kim JS, et al. Diarylheptanoids with free radical scavenging
and hepatoprotective activity in vitro from Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 2001;67:
876-877 16 Venkatesan N. Pulmonary protective effects of curcumin against
paraquat toxicity. Life Sci. 2000;66:PL21-28. 17 Deshpande S, et al. Subchronic
oral toxicity of turmeric and ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats.
Toxicology Letters. 1998;95:183-193. 18 Kandarkar SV, Sawant SS, Ingle AD, et
al. Subchronic oral hepatotoxicity of turmeric in mice--histopathological and
ultrastructural studies. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998 Jul;36(7):675-679. 19 Curry can
help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's role in cancer fight probed, Daily
Mail, 11:44am 9th August 2005 20 TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER I--
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICE PART 73--LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM
CERTIFICATION--Table of Contents Subpart A--Foods Sec. 73.600 Turmeric. FDA
Publication August 18, 2005. 21. Ramachandran C, Expression profiles of
apoptotic genes induced by curcumin in human breast cancer and mammary
epithelial cell lines. Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3293-302. 22. Matteucci
A, Curcumin treatment protects rat retinal neurons against excitotoxicity: effect
on N-methyl-D: -aspartate-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase. Exp Brain Res.
2005 Aug 3;:1-8 23. Goto H, Effect of curcuma herbs [Turmeric] on vasomotion
and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rat.
Turmeric belongs to the family of N.O. Zingiberaceae. Its related
terms include Curcuma. Curcuma rotunda (LINN.). Amomum
curcuma (Jacq.)
Turmeric is a perennial plant. It can be found in SouthEast Asia.
Tumeric is one of the key ingredients in curry. Recently, a
scientist found that turmeric may have anti-cancer properties,
this adds one more point to turmeric potential benefits.
Turmeric has a unique odor and a bitter taste and it colors the
saliva yellow. Turmeric contains gum, starch, calcium, fiber and
curcumin (the colorant and also the active ingredient) [1,2].
Curcumin was found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties. Boiling alcohol is usually used to extract this
chemical.
Traditionally, tumeric was used to treat jaundice, gallstones,
indigestion, gas, worms, menstruation problems and arthritis. It
was applied in the form of a paste to aid healing of cuts and
grazes. However, most of these uses are in lack of scientific
support or meaningful evidence. Turmeric is also used to
manufacture curry powders pickles, and mustard. Turmeric
tincture is used as yellow coloring agent for paper and other
products.
Today, turmeric is still used as a food preservative and colorant
for food products.
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON TURMERIC BENEFITS
CANCER
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has
been demonstrated in 1985. [3] Turmeric extract was found to
be able to inhibit the cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells
at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and was cytotoxic to
lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at the same
concentration.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well.
NF-kappaB is a protein which helps cancer cells to survive once
they start to grow.People with the early signs of oesophagus
cancer could be advised to eat more turmeric-laced foods in a
bid to beat the killer disease. [11, 12, 19]
BREAST CANCER Turmeric curcumin induces apoptosis in breast
cancer cells by regulation of multiple signaling pathways,
indicating its potential use for prevention and treatment of
cancer. [21]
DYPEPSIA
Dypepsia is a condition that the person experiences a variety of
digestive problems such as stomach discomfort, gas, bloating,
belching, appetite loss, and nausea for unknown medical cause.
Turmeric was shown to be able to reduce dyspepsia symptoms
in a clinical trial. [8,9]
EXCITOTOXICITY
In a study, A 24 h-treatment with turmeric curcumin reduced N-
methyl-D: -aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic cell damage.
The protection was believed to be associated with decrease of
NMDA receptor-mediated Ca(2+) and reduction in the level of
phosphorylated NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. [22]
HYPERTENSION
Turmeric [Curcuma herb] was found to have hypotensive and
protective effect on the endothelium in spontaneously
hypertensive rats [23]
ULCER
Turmeric does not appear to be effective for treating ulcers [6,7].
LIVER DISEASE
Curcumin or turmeric might help protect the liver from damage
but there are also reports that turmeric extracts may damage
the liver at high doses. [13-18].
DOSAGE
Turmeric extract is often taken in a form having curcumin
content of 400 to 600 mg.
TURMERIC SIDE EFFECTS
Turmeric has been used in food products for many years,
standard doses of turmeric or curcumin should be safe to a
healthy person. [1,10]
FDA considers that turmeric may be safely used for the coloring
of foods generally, in amounts consistent with good GMP
practice. [20]
People with liver disease should avoid using turmeric products,
as there are reports that turmeric extracts may be toxic to the
liver. [32. 33]
Because turmeric [curcumin] has stimulating effects on the
gallbladder, individuals with gallbladder disease should use
turmeric [curcumin] only on the advice of a physician.
At standard doses, it does not appear to harm the stomach. [4]
However, high doses of curcumin might in fact increase the risk
of ulcers. [5]
HOME
This article is for your reference. If you have question, you should
consult with your doctor immediately.
ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2005 zhion inc.
REFERENCES
1. Ammon HPT, Wahl MA. Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 1991;57:
1–7. 2. Sreejayan N, Rao MNA. Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids.
Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46:169–171. 3 Kuttan P Potential anticancer
activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29(2):197-202. 4.
Srimal RC, Dhawan BN. Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1973;25:447–452. 5.
Gupta B, Kulshrestha VK, Srivastava RK, et al. Mechanisms of curcumin induced
gastric ulcer in rats. Indian J Med Res. 1980;71:806–814. 6. Van Dau N, Ngoc
Ham N, Huy Khac D, et al. The effects of a traditional drug, turmeric (Curcuma
longa), and placebo on the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomedicine. 1998;5:
29–34. 7. Kositchaiwat C, Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa Linn. in
the treatment of gastric ulcer comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical
trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 1993;76:601–605. 8. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of
curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:245–249. 9. Thamlikitkul V,
Bunyapraphatsara N, Dechatiwongse T, et al. Randomized double blind study of
Curcuma domestica Val. for dyspepsia. J Med Assoc Thai. 1989;72:613–620. 10
Shankar TNB, Shantha NV, Ramesh HP, et al. Toxicity studies on turmeric
(Cucurma longa): acute toxicity studies in rats, guinea pigs and monkeys. Indian
J Exp Biol. 1980;18:73–75. 11 Afaq F, Adhami VM, Ahmad N, et al. Botanical
antioxidants for chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis. Front Biosci. 2002;7:
d784-92. 12 Arbiser JL, Klauber N, Rohan R, et al. Curcumin is an in vivo
inhibitor of angiogenesis. Mol Med. 1998;4:376-383. 13 Chuang S, Cheng A, Lin
J, Kuo M. Inhibition by curcumin of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic
hyperplasia, inflammation, cellular gene products and cell-cycle related proteins
in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2000;38(11):991-995. 14 Deshpande UR, Gadre SG,
Raste AS, et al. Protective effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) extract on carbon
tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998;36:573-577.
15 Song EK, Cho H, Kim JS, et al. Diarylheptanoids with free radical scavenging
and hepatoprotective activity in vitro from Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 2001;67:
876-877 16 Venkatesan N. Pulmonary protective effects of curcumin against
paraquat toxicity. Life Sci. 2000;66:PL21-28. 17 Deshpande S, et al. Subchronic
oral toxicity of turmeric and ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats.
Toxicology Letters. 1998;95:183-193. 18 Kandarkar SV, Sawant SS, Ingle AD, et
al. Subchronic oral hepatotoxicity of turmeric in mice--histopathological and
ultrastructural studies. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998 Jul;36(7):675-679. 19 Curry can
help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's role in cancer fight probed, Daily
Mail, 11:44am 9th August 2005 20 TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER I--
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICE PART 73--LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM
CERTIFICATION--Table of Contents Subpart A--Foods Sec. 73.600 Turmeric. FDA
Publication August 18, 2005. 21. Ramachandran C, Expression profiles of
apoptotic genes induced by curcumin in human breast cancer and mammary
epithelial cell lines. Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3293-302. 22. Matteucci
A, Curcumin treatment protects rat retinal neurons against excitotoxicity: effect
on N-methyl-D: -aspartate-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase. Exp Brain Res.
2005 Aug 3;:1-8 23. Goto H, Effect of curcuma herbs [Turmeric] on vasomotion
and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rat.
| Friends of mine from Malaysia always tell me that curry is healthy.... |
